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Nainital is located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand which is famous for its good scenery and spirituality like the temples in Rishikesh, and with its awe-inspiring hills and peaceful lakes, it is also the site of many revered temples. Nainital takes you through different temples, each one of which has a unique history that is of great spiritual importance as well. Having said that, there are some of the most amazing Nainital temples, weaved into the striking Himalayan beauty, which guarantees a religious as well as holidaying experience.
How To Reach Nainital
Photo: Visha tyagi / Wikimedia Commons
By Train: Travelling by train to Nainital is quite convenient as the nearest railway station is Kathgodam Railway Station which is located at a distance of 34 km. You can take a taxi from or take a local bus from Kathgodam to Nainital.
By Road: Nainital is quite well placed from neighboring towns and can be reached via road from Delhi (around 300 km), Dehradun (around 270 km), and Bareilly (around 140 km). The easiest way to get to Nainital from these locations is to take advantage of state-run buses or private buses which run regularly.
By Air: The nearest airport from Nainital is the Pantnagar Airport, which is approximately 70 km away. For more options, visitors may reach Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and then travel to Nainital via road or train.
Top 5 Nainital Temples
Here, we explore the top 5 Nainital temples that are a must-visit for any spiritual journey through the mountains:
1. Naina Devi Temple
Photo: Photographer Praveen Singh Bisht / Wikimedia Commons
Naina Devi temple is sited on a hill overlooking the town of Nainital. The temple stands as a great reminder of Nepal town’s history. Since goddess Naina Devi is of great worship to Goddess Durga, this structure was formed. For those who crave adventure can hike to the temple and enjoy the picturesque surroundings. One can visit the temple during the Navratri festival to see the cultural customs and traditions of the region.
Location: Ayarpatta, Nainital, Uttarakhand
Timings: 6 AM – 10 PM
2. Mukteshwar Temple
Photo: Itsmeehul / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Overlooking valleys and the Himalayan mountains, the Mukteshwar Temple stands at the highest point. Lord Shiva, one of the very respected deities in Hinduism, is said to be pleased by the prayers and the wishes of the devotees seeking him in this temple which is approximately 350 years old. Kumaoni style can be easily seen from the decays that the temple showcases due to the natural erosion of the temple structure which made it into such a position.
Location: Link Road, Simyal Gaon, Nainital, Uttarakhand
Timings: 7 AM- 7 PM
3. Kainchi Dham Temple
Photo: 25 Cents FC / Wikimedia Commons
Kainchi Dham temple is located in a peaceful and beautiful environment, Kumaon Hills, in Kainchi village. The temple was built in honour of Neena Karoli, a Guru and Saint who was well known for his love. Within the temple premises, there are ashrams, meditation halls, and rooms where people can meditate and participate in Satsangs. On this occasion, devotees can witness the events that take place in memory of Neem Karoli Baba and pray at the temple.
Location: Almora Road, Nainital, Uttarakhand
Timings: 5 AM- 4 PM
4. Golu Devta Temple
Photo: ArmouredCyborg / Wikimedia Commons /Image For Representation Only
Among the places to visit in Nainital, Golu Devta Temple which is situated in Ghorakhal is most popular among the locals. Golu Devta is an important deity for the Kumaonis known to be epitomising justice and many visitors honour the temple in his name. It has a unique architectural touch in it which resembles the structure of temples built in Kumaon hills.
Location: GB Pant Hospital Premises, Nainital
Timings: 6 AM- 8 PM
5. Pashan Devi Temple
Photo: Rakeshkdogra / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Pashan Devi temple is dedicated to goddess Durga also known as the ‘Goddess of the stone throwers’. As the whole temple, including the goddess’ idol is made up of stone, it is possible to appreciate the wonderful structure of the temple. Legends have it that a huge rock around the temple represents the nine incarnations of Goddess Durga. While walking around the temple, you will notice, ‘Akhand jyothi’ a flame said to have never been put out since the founding of the temple.
Location: Tallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand
Timings: 6 AM- 7:30 PM
Where To Stay
Photo: Vojtech Bruzek / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Nainital offers various accommodation options catering to different budgets and preferences. For those looking for luxury, resorts such as The Naini Retreat and Shervani Hilltop provide scenic views and top-notch amenities. Budget-friendly travellers can choose from cosy guesthouses like Hotel Himalaya or lakeside stays such as Swiss Cottage for a peaceful experience.
Where To Eat
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Nainital has a diverse culinary scene that is perfect for travellers exploring temples. For traditional North Indian and Kumaoni cuisine, visit Machan Restaurant or Sakley’s Restaurant & Pastry Shop. Street food lovers should not miss trying aloo ke gutke and bal mithai from local vendors. For a vegetarian-friendly meal after visiting temples, Nanak Restaurant is highly recommended.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of The Trip
An average budget for a trip to Nainital can range from ₹2,500 to ₹5,000 per day per person, including accommodation, food, and transportation. The cost may vary based on your choice of lodging and dining.
Tips For Travellers
- Temples can get crowded, so visiting in the morning ensures a more serene experience.
- Always carry a bottle of water, sunscreen, and some cash, as not all places may accept cards.
- Pack warm clothing, especially if visiting during the colder months.
- Some temples may not allow photography; always ask for permission before taking pictures.
The enchanting Nainital temples promote both spirituality and scenic views. Each temple serves a different purpose, whether one is looking for divine intervention or purely wants to take in the calm surroundings. The hill town of Nainital features a picturesque Mukteshwar Dham and the famous Naina Devi Temple, among other temples that must be on everyone’s list. Plan with TripXL and enjoy the rich cultural setup of Nainital.
Cover Photo: Daljeet Singh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
